Levine: White Sox Shuffle Lineup In Series Opener With Royals

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- With their best hitter not pounding the baseball like he did in the past, the Chicago White Sox are moving Jose Abreu up in the batting order to the second slot, in hopes of better results.

"We did it last year," manager Robin Ventura said. "He seemed to handle it just fine. We are just moving guys around. Offensively, we have been in a bit of a rut as far as how it all works."

On Friday night against the Royals, Abreu hit between leadoff man Adam Eaton and Todd Frazier, who moved to third from fourth in the batting order. Melky Cabrera also moved up to the cleanup spot in the lineup.

"My first experience there was last year," Abreu said. "It was good for me, and I am sure this will be good, too."

The 29-year-old Cuban first baseman hasn't done a lot of damage with the stick so far this season. In 41 games, Abreu is hitting .247 with six home runs and 27 RBIs. Although the RBIs projected out would be around 106, the power numbers are down. His 13 extra-base hits are a serious drop-off from his prior two season averages of 68. The .407 slugging and .321 on base percentage are career lows based on 2015/2016 numbers.

"I don't really care about where I hit in the order," Abreu said. "If I am playing, I will get to hit. I don't care where in the order."

Abreu had a 5.5 WAR in 2015. He dropped to a 3.8 WAR in 2015, and so far this year, his WAR is underwater at 0.2. The talented Abreu is in the third year of a six-year, $68-million contract and seems physically fine to fulfill his obligation. He has one home run and six RBIs in his last 10 games and hitting .227 in that sample.

Frazier thought the batting order switch could help out.

"I batted second before, as well," Frazier said. "Billy Hamilton was leading off, speed guy, of course. I got a lot more fastballs. I had four or five stolen bases … I think everyone knows what Jose is about. I still think they will pitch to him cautiously. Hopefully, I will get more opportunities to drive those guys in."

The matchup with the world champion Royals has been played up as a test. People want more proof that the White Sox really have the right stuff to win the AL Central this season.

"To be honest with you, we are No. 1 right now," Frazier boldly stated. "If you want the truth, we are leading the division. They have to come for us. We know what they are all about. We understand the position they put themselves in each of the last two years. Kudos to them, but we have done some good stuff … We have to be ready to go."

A bold pronouncement by Frazier? Or a new sheriff in town? We may know more after this seven-game stretch with the Royals and Indians.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.